The mistletoe is a plant with a great Christmas tradition in many countries and that, in addition, has been traditionally known for its medicinal properties. In fact, for its properties it was highly prized by the ancient Druids. Currently, it is still widely used to improve health, as it has anti-inflammatory, mild sedative, diuretic, etc., and is also used as part of the Christmas decoration.
If you do not know much about this plant and you are curious to know what it can do for our health, join us in this Green Ecologist article in which we reveal what is mistletoe for, its properties and benefits.
Between the characteristics of the mistletoe plant are these traits:
Since ancient times, this plant has been highly appreciated both for its medicinal properties and for those attributed to it of a mystical nature. It is worth observing one by one its properties and also benefits to know when we can use it (however, we should always consult a doctor before starting to take it). A) Yes, What is mistletoe used for?
It is important to mention that mistletoe can be a toxic plant. Its toxicity is low, and it is necessary to take high amounts for its effects to be negative, but it is better to always look for the right amounts and concentrations when making remedies with it.
Taking into account the aforementioned properties, the use of the mistletoe as a medicinal plant it can have many benefits.
Currently, the one that gives more to talk about is his ability to fight certain types of cancer due to its cytostatic or antitumor action, in addition to helping to alleviate the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The NCI (National Cancer Institute) groups and recognizes different studies in the treatment of various types of cancer with injections of subcutaneous ampoules of mistletoe extract, which are very simple to apply. Many centers offer mistletoe treatment to patients receiving radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Dr. Natalia Eres, from the Khuab clinic in Barcelona, affirms that 70% of the patients they treat decide to join mistletoe therapy, which causes the "suicide" of tumor cells and improves the body's response in the fight against cancer[1].
Outside the realm of cancer, these are other benefits of mistletoe and its medicinal uses:
Mistletoe extract, tincture, infusion, powders and juice of the fresh plant are usually consumed. If you want to discover more common medicinal plants, we recommend this other post by Green Ecologist on Types of aromatic and medicinal plants.
The origin of the use of mistletoe as a source of traditions is in the seventeenth century, when the druids they used it as a magical and sacred plant, for its ability to stay green throughout the season.
In the 18th century a romantic sense was attributed to it: it was said that a young woman of marriageable age could not refuse a kiss under a mistletoe plant, which would also be the start of a romance. The tradition spread quickly, and it ended up becoming the equivalent of a marriage request and a good omen for it.
In fact, it was believed that if the kiss under the mistletoe occurred on Christmas Eve, it was said that the kissed woman would keep her love or find the one she was looking for. This custom has survived to this day as the traditional kiss under the Christmas mistletoe.
In addition, mistletoe is currently and very commonly used as an element of Christmas decoration, where tradition says that it should be placed on or near the door to keep evil spirits at bay. If you like this Christmas plant as a decorative element, here you can learn more about Flowers and typical Christmas plants.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is mistletoe for: properties and benefits, we recommend that you enter our category of natural remedies.
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